As we study more systemic effects of various drugs that affect bone healing: Bisphosphonates, SSRI's, and Proton Pump Inhibitors we now have yet another source of loss of or lack of osseointegration caused by a Vitamin D deficiency. I know, here in the Valley of the Sun, we should get plenty of sun. Studies however show that 70% of society is Vitamin D deficient. The deficiency relates to lower-quality fast food, an increased demonstrated genetic deficiency, a more indoor lifestyle and is more pronounced in the aging population: those that most need implant dentistry.
This deficiency plays a substantial role in depression, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Vitamin D is also essential for GI absorption of calcium, mineralization of osteoid tissue and maintenance of serum-inonized calcium levels. There is an even more extensive list of physiological, neuromuscular, hormonal and immune requirements for vitamin D.
The first animal studies of dental implant osseointegration and vitamin D deficiency were in 2009 and it was found that the "push out" force dental implants in the vitamin D deficient group was 66% less. This deficiency is well known in osteoporotic patients and has been linked to an up to 300% increase in dental implant failure.
My notations: I am now testing the Vitamin D levels for any patient that presents an increased risk profile from normal or has an implant failure. I will be testing patients that are undergoing more extensive implant dentistry in the future. So far I am finding the results quite varied. The most extreme test to date, was for a patient that took 5000 units per day of Vitamin D for years yet was tested as deficient. As time goes on, much like routine testing of BP, blood sugar, pulse etc. I imagine modern implantology will include a test panel of various risk factors that can be quantified, much as this Vitamin D test and bisphosphonate history's now allow me to do.
Dental Blog | Sun City West, AZ | Solutions Dental Implants Check out our dental blog for the latest in dental technology, research and treatments. Visit Solutions Dental Implants in Sun City West, AZ! Solutions Dental Implants, 13920 West Camino Del Sol, Suite 11, Sun City West, AZ 85375-4438 + (480) 956-6113 + solutionsdentalimplants.com + 10/3/2024 + Related Terms: dental implants, all on 4 dental implants, teeth in a day, dental crowns, bone grafting, implant supported dentures, implant dentistry, pain free dental implants, tooth replacement, extraction, gum surgery, sedation dentistry
